As the All Blacks face the challenge of a depleted full-back roster, the debate intensifies around the potential selection of Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett in the position. With Will Jordan sidelined due to injury, options are thin, stirring concerns among rugby legends about the team's strategy ahead of crucial tests.
Justin Marshall expressed his apprehensions on the GBRANZ podcast, highlighting the absence of a specialized full-back in the training squad. "We're particularly thin at full-back and I'm worried about that," Marshall noted, emphasizing the impact of not having Jordan, who is out of the Nations Championship and possibly the first Test against the Springboks. The dilemma leaves Barrett, McKenzie, and possibly Ruben Love as the makeshift options. Marshall fretted,
"Are they going to be f*****g around again putting Beauden or Damian there? You know how that’s going to make me feel."
The conversation around team selection expanded with Kieran Read's input, where he lamented the absence of Jordan's "voice and vision" on the field. "It's not just his ability and time on ball, it’s the stuff that he does around it with his voice and vision, and setting up the entire field. It just allows everyone else to do their role really well," Read explained.
Marshall proposed a potential shift that might bring more stability to the backline. "The only thing I was thinking when I was looking at that squad is how the midfield looks. We’ve got Jordie Barrett there who’s playing some of his best rugby," he said, suggesting a move for Jordie Barrett to full-back, believing it would offer more assurance.
"Wouldn’t you be really assured if Jordie Barrett was in the 15 jersey? He ticks every single box. He’s got a big boot, he’s great in the air, he’s a hard defender."
This move, according to Marshall, might allow the team to better leverage Jordie Barrett's current form and skill set.The All Blacks are thus at a crossroads, needing to balance immediate team needs with long-term strategic considerations. The coming games will test their adaptability and perhaps redefine roles within the team, as they navigate this challenging phase without their key player, Will Jordan.